Leadership Legacies

For most of us the word "legacy" conjures up images of wealth through accumulated assets (money, marketable securities, properties and the like) that are passed on when someone dies. But is the measure of our worth as leaders only found in the numbers and columns that make up a balance sheet? Shouldn't we also bequeath our values, experiences, and learning from a lifetime of work and relationships? The essence of living well is captured by Ralph Waldo Emerson in this quote, "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."

A dear friend and mentor of mine, Willard Shisler, passed away in March 2001 after a painful battle with bone cancer. His life embodied my vision of legacy and at his passing I was inspired to write a poem in his memory. The family shared it at his memorial service and it has been published in a couple of local newsletters as well. Today I have decided to share it with the global community hoping to inspire persons in leadership to pay closer attention to the legacy you are building that will one day speak volumes about your own character.


If Wisdom Had a Face

If wisdom had a face, it would be like his.
The dignified air of wispy white hair and whiskers to match;
Eyes sparkling with life, casting a knowing glance, occasionally brimming with silent tears;
A chiseled brow sculpted by years of toil and hours of meditation, but never furrowed long;
If wisdom had a face, it would look like his.

If wisdom had a voice, it would be like his.
Heavy with a Pennsylvania Dutch accent, sometimes hesitant but always strong;
Bestowing with passionate resonance beliefs held long and running deep;
Humble words of encouragement, spoken with conviction and compassion;
If wisdom has a voice, it would be like his.

If wisdom were a song, it would sound like his.
Chords and melodies rich in composition, ancient tunes with modern arrangements;
Sweet hynms of faith, cherished for their memories and vision;
Sung with a steady, metered beat for eighty-nine faithful years;
If wisdom were a song, it would sound like his.

The face is gone, the voice is silent, the song an echo in the air.
But wisdom is what he left for us to ponder;
Love is what he gave for us to share;
Hope is what he offers for tomorrow;
And we will not soon forget.

If wisdom had a face, it would look like his.

Wouldn't it be remarkable if each of us dedicated ourselves as leaders to creating a legacy of work and conscious leadership that taught the leaders we mentor what we have learned about wisdom, love, and hope? That's what Willard did for me and I am eternally grateful. I still miss you "old friend".